About:

Bay Island Driftwood Museum is located at Kumarakom, Kottaym District, kerala. A Museum to display a unique collection of superior quality driftwood articles of very high artistic value, prepared through a rate and innovative modern art form, is functioning at the scenic village of Kumarakom. A Visitor would find there a huge collection of root sculptures of various shapes and designs.The collections in the museum are from the serene beaches of the Islands, situated in Bay of Bengal. These islands are know as Andaman and Nicobar Islands or Bay Islands and hence the name Bay Island Driftwood Museum. Bengal or know as Andaman and Nicobar Islands or Bay Islands and it is the reason to name the museum as Bay Island Driftwood Museum. A energetic lady school teacher used to collect pieces of driftwood deposited by the sea in the shores, comprising twisted tree trunks, stumps, roots etc
The admirers and connoisseurs of this rare and innovative form of art frequent the Bay Island Driftwood Museum. The student community finds the art form adopted in the preparation of the exhibits in the museum interesting and educative as the museum inculcates in them the qualities of imagination, creativity, originality and initiation to produce useful articles out of materials normally considered waste.

This museum, that displays, a unique collection of superior quality driftwood articles of very high artistic value, prepared through a rare and innovative modern art form.A visitor would find here a collection of root sculptures of various shapes and designs. They represent the collection of art works by Mrs. Raji Punnoose, a retired teacher.The Bay Island Driftwood Museum have a collection of models of Crocodile, Shark and Dolpine, Handicapped lady with kids, Hen grooming chicks, Hirn Bill, Penguin, A Blooming Rose, Pheasant Crow, Strok, Pelican and Cormorant, Chameleon, Hedge Hog, Subhash.Every cyclone deposit many things to the shore as it washes away from it. Some of these wood pieces and roots at Bay Island Driftwood Museum were centuries old, and having drifted across the seas they became more flexible. To pass vast distances, what is left of a tree is its sturdiest part which has weathered much harsh.Tourists will be delighted to visit Bay Island Driftwood Museum, Kerala displaying a huge collection of wooden wonders. Varied root and tree trunk sculptures in unique form and design will captivate your mind. Some of these unique exhibits closely resemble birds, animals, reptiles, amphibians and fishes.The most attractive driftwood sculptures here includes a tribal Jarva women, a handicapped family, Monkey, Lion, and Elephant. There are even sculptures depicting the Kargil War, fought between India and Pakisthan. The museum also showcases an amazing collection of flowers and buds.

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Interesting things to Visit:

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary:

The Kumarakom Bird sanctuary is a favorite haunt of migratory birds. Spread across fourteen acres of land close to Kumarakom, this bird sanctuary is a paradise for ornithologists. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and several migratory birds like the Siberian stork are regular visitors.

Kumarakom backwaters:

Kumarakom backwaters is the major backwater stretch is in Kottayam district, where a network of rivers and canals empty into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad Lake. Located at Kumarakom 16 km from Kottayam town, the Vembanad Lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination, provides boating and Fishing.

Pathiramanal:

Located near Vembanad Lake, Pathiramanal is also called 'Sands of Night'. It is a small island that is easily reachable using the water route. The journey to reach the island is an exhilarating one. Both sides of the lake have breath-taking beauty that would remain etched in the mind of the tourists. The island is home to some rare varieties of migratory birds, serving as a bird watcher's paradise.

Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls :

The scenic spot is located at a distance of 18 km from Kottayam. Apart from being a famous picnic spot, the place also offers wonderful views of the rubber plantations that surround it.

Alleppey:

Fisherman paddling canoe in Kumarakom BackwatersThe beautiful coastal town of Alleppey lies close by. With its labyrinth of canals, bridges, silver beaches, makes Alleppey an ideal spot to spend your holidays.

Vembanad lake:

The Vembanad wetland system covers an area of over 1512 km and is bordered by 3 districts. Several rivers flow into the lake and Canals link the lake to other coastal lakes of the region.One of Asia's largest freshwater lakes, the Vembanad Kayal, as it is locally known, is a giant reservoir and a major ecological resource. The dense vegetation on its banks is a wonderful sight. Asia, and it is connected to a network of canals throughout the region.

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station:

Cochin International Airport

Nearest Airport:

Kottayam is the nearest railway station.

Road Transport:

Kottayam, the main road junction, is just 14 km from Kumarakom. It is well linked with all the key cities in India, through State and National Highways.Buses and Taxis are easily available at all time of the day from Kottayam.

Nearest Visiting places:

azhikkadavu:

This hill station of rocky terrains is on the outskirts of the district. On one side of the main rock are extremely tall and steep rocks and on the other is a valley of fearful depth. Bordering this crude landscape like a silver lace is the Meenachil River. During the months of December/January the landscape comes alive in a riot of colours with orchids and wild flowers.

Kallara:

This a little village is located about 20 km northwest of Kottayam town. The place can be easily accessed from Kottayam by road as well as rail.Kallara and the neighboring villages of Kaduthuruthy and Thalayolaparambu has unending stretches of lush green paddy fields crisscrossed by numerous canals that drain into the backwaters of Ezhumanturuth and fall into the mighty Vembanad lake. In ancient days, large barge like country boats transported goods from Alapuzha to Thalayolaparambu and Kaduthuruthy through these intricate networks of waterways.

Ithipuzha:

As you travel form Vaikom to Ernakulam by road you pass three bridges in succession. As you look out, you are greeted by lush green scenery on either side. It is the river Muvattupuzha and its numerous branches that drain into the Vembanad Lake at this spot creating picture post card scenery all round. And this village is called Ithipuzha.There are few houseboats, no resorts and hence charming and serene waterways all round the village.

Pallam Backwaters:

Pallam is located to the south of Kottayam town and is accessible via the Main Central Road. The setting is typical Kerala rural with quiet villages escorted by scenic backwaters and vivid green all along. Migratory birds come seeking this verdant landscape every summer and frolic in the natural splendors till the end of the season. A boat ride in this river Kodoorar to Kumarakom via Pallom backwaters is a great way to relax and enjoy nature's bounties.

Elaveezhapoonchira - Walk in the rain clouds:

Skirting the Kottayam district are beautiful valleys of Elaveezhalpoonchira, spread over thousands of acres in Melukavu village. The pristine beauty of nature is preserved almost intact here in the imposing mountain ranges with rocky cliffs. The verdant landscape is punctuated by five gigantic hills viz. Vindhyan medu, Hidumbanmedu Mankallumudi, Kolanimudi and Mukalanthumudi each rising to around 3200 ft. Elaveezhapoonchira means valley where leaves don't fall and is named so because the place has no trees. The vast horizon gives a panoramic view of the surrounding five districts. During the monsoons when the valley fills up to form a scenic lake, this place unveils another beautiful slice of nature.

Kannadipara:

As the name suggests, the valley of this rocky mountain reflects the morning sun with a mirror like perfection. This is also the highest point in Elaveezhapoonchira. Three km from here is the Pazhakakanam Plateau nourished by the Kadapuzha River. Bamboo groves, meadows and wild flowers make this place exotic. An added attraction here is the Kazhukankulimali Waterfalls that playfully cascade down the mountain and greet the river below with a magnificent splash.

Mankallu Mudikal:

The three hills in this region lie close to each other, their flat hilltops covered with lush grasslands. An aerial view of these resembles a traditional clay oven. With no trees around, the hilltops give you the feeling that you are walking in the clouds.

Kootickal:

This quaint hamlet situated in the Western Ghats is located 5km north of Mundakkayam in Kottayam District. The majesty of the mountain ranges combined with the beauty of the forest and the artificial lake created by the check-dam of the Manimala River makes the spot linger in your mind. Amruthameda, famous for medicinal plants is nearby. Kootickal is located only 12km from the pilgrim centre of Erumeli.

Kurisumala:

Three km from Vazhikkadavu is this renowned Christian pilgrim centre where hundreds of devotees from far and near converge during the holy week and after, to climb the hill in faith, carrying small wooden crosses. The peaceful Monastery at the top of the hill, the silence of the hills, the cool mountain air and the lush green landscape are all soothing to the soul. On the eastern side of the hill is Muruganmala housing a rock cut temple dedicated to Murugan (son of Lord Shiva).

Bharananganam:

Bharananganam is an important pilgrimage center for the Christians. It is located next to the St. Mary's Church. The church is a thousand years old and has a well-carved cavern of Virgin Mary.

Matrumala:

Matrumala is located in Kooropada village and is about 8 km from Vennimala. The place can be accessed from Kottayam through Pampadi. Matrumala is a hill top that offers stunning views of the entire surroundings.The place got its name as it has a small temple on its top dedicated to Goddess. The temple is believed to have been built by Parasurama, the legendary creator of Kerala who installed idols of the seven Goddesses (Saptamathas) here.

Champakara (Ayurvedic Centre):

Champakara is just 18 kms from Kottayam is Champakara, which is an important Ayurvedic Centre for 'Thirummuchikilsa'in Kerala. Sreerangam CVN Kalari Chikilsa Kendram attracts people from all over Indiaand abroad.

Kesari Waterfalls:

The Kesari waterfalls is also known as Valanjamkanam falls, it lies between Kuttikanam and Murinjapuzha on the Kottayam-Kumaly route. Valanjamkanam is a 3 hr journey from Kottayam by any bus to Kumaly.

Mannanam:

This place is about 8 km north of Kottayam is Mannanam, a small town but a great pilgrimage centre for Syrian Christians. Thousands of Syrian Christians gather each year at Mannanam to attend a religious convention that is one of the largest in Asia.

The Driftwood Museum:

This museum is well stored with a huge collection of driftwood sculptures collected from the islands of Andaman and Nicobar. The museum is the only one of its kind in the country. The works displayed here shows the artistic excellence and mere hard work of past generations. One can find here a huge collection of root sculptures of various shapes and designs. There are even sculptures depicting the Kargil War, fought between India and Pakisthan. The museum also showcases an amazing collection of flowers and buds.

Thirunakkara Mahadev Temple:

This temple is Located in the heart of Kottayam, this temple is built in the typical Kerala style. The architecture and murals are stunningly beautiful.The murals on the walls are a major attraction here. The sanctum sanctorum is decorated with scenes from Hindu epics. In the month of March, on the occasion of the annual temple festival the temple pulls in a large number of pilgrims.

Boat races:

In the festive months of August and September, the rivers in and near Kottayam are turned into festival centres. The serene lakes comes alive during onam with a spectacular water regatta- the snake boat races. It is amazing to watch oars men, atleast a hundred in one boat, slice their way through the waters to the fast rhythm of their own full throated singing.

Vaikom:

A picnic spot ideal for langourous break. Tourists can avail of various recreation options. Boat cruises are available on the Vaikom lake.

Wagamon:

Thi is situated 64 kms. from Kottayam, this enchanting hill station at an elevation of 1100 meters above sea level is a trekkers paradise. This enchanting hill station on the Idukki -Kottayam border dotted with tea gardens and meadows, will soon be one of India's foremost eco- tourism projects.

St. George Forane Church:

St. George Forane Church is located in Edappally, about 10 kms from the city of Kochi. It is accessible by road from any part of India. Two national highways NH 47 and NH 17 join the bypass junction at Edappally which begins and continues up to Panvel, Maharashtra, in India.

Madurai Meenakshi Temple:

This is decidedly the oldest city of South India, truly representing Dravidian culture. European scholars have compared it to Athens of Greece. It was in the past the seat of the Tamil Academy (the Tamil Sangam) .... It is estimated that there are 33 million carvings in the Madurai temple. The temple stands in the centre of the town and main roads run roughly parallel to the four sides.

Meenachil river:

Its made famous by Arundhati Roy in her masterpiece "God of Small Things", originates near Vanilla County. The river or rather the stream is of ravenous beauty as it gushes and gurgles forth through the rocks and creates baby waterfalls and little pools on the way down. The Meenachil River flows through the center of the Kottayam district of Kerala.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Petrol Pump
Puimoodu junction NH 220
kottyam, Kerala

Parangot Petrol Pump
Kottayam, Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Kumarakom, Kerala, India

Gokulesh Petrol Pump
Address: 42/5
Chennai Road Melakaveri
Kumarakom, Kottayam, Kerala.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Ayurtheeram Ayurvedic Resort
Kumarakom, kerala.

Kumarakom Lagoon
Ambika Market P.O, Vechoor
Kottayam, Kerala 686144
Tel: 09811165753.

Kumarakom Lake Resort
Kumarakom North, Kottayam
Kerala - 686566
Tel: 0481 2524900

Backwater Heritage HomeStay
pulikuttyserry P.O, Aymanam, Kumarakom
Kottayam, Kerala 686015
Tel: 0481 2516375.

Things to carry:

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:

Kuthiathode Police Station
NH 47, Kuthiathodu
Alappuzha, Kerala, India.

Kidangoor Police Station
Kidangoor, Kerala, India
Tel: 04822 254195.

Pulincunnoo Police Station
Alappuzha, Kerala, India
Tel: 0477 2222222.

Muhamma Police Station
Alappuzha, Kerala, India.

Nedumudy Police Station
Alappuzha, Kerala, India.

Kottayam Medical College
Arpookara, Kottayam
Kerala, India
Tel: 0481 2597284.

Bharath Hospital
Azad Lane, Near Thirunakkara Temple
Kottayam, Kerala 686001, India
Tel: 0481 2582947.

Hail Mary Hospital
Near Perumpilly Church
Mulanthuruthy, Ernakulam
Kerala 680314, India
Tel: 0484 2740315.

Vakathanam
Kottayam, Kottayam
Kerala State, India
Tel: 0481 2462550.

Society/Community Phone Number:

Contact Address:
Bay Island Driftwood Museum
Chakranpadi (Near Lakshmi Hotel & Resort), Kumarakom North
Kottayam, Kerala 686 566
Museum: 0481-2525634,
Curator (Mob): 94474-64296
Curator (Res) :0481-2517530

Link:

http://keralatourismblogs.blogspot.com/2009/06/bay-island-driftwood-museum.html
http://mahirhaneef.blogspot.com/2005/03/story-of-only-driftwood-museum-in.html